he Methodist Church in Britain has launched an emergency appeal for funds following the devastating floods that have swept through South Mexico in the wake of the heaviest rains to hit the country for 40 years. Grants are already being made.

The heated row over abortion is continuing after a report by the House of Commons Science and Technology committee said there was no scientific justification for lowering the 24-week limit for terminations. But there are also signs of movement on all sides.

UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown has been urged to ratify an international convention to protect tribal ownership of land. He was presented with a letter by the president of a Brazil partner to the Catholic Aid Agency CAFOD, urging him to take action.

Churches in Pakistan have condemned the bomb blasts that killed 139 people people and injured over 500 among the crowds thronging the streets to welcome former prime minister Benazir Bhutto home from her self-imposed exile.